May We Never Part Again (Sequel to Until We Meet Again)

Back at Work

'Thank you for your astute observation. I would never have thought of that on my own.' Nick said sarcastically over the phone. 

I smirked, turning back to my computer. Whoever was on the receiving end of the phone was in for Nick's wrath. He was already in a foul mood, having fired a member of staff this morning for repeated incidents, the 3D printer in the lab had completely broken, so he had to order in a new one and the board was on his case about a deadline. 

I was trying to help by filling a load of paperwork and reports for him, despite complaining about it before, but I liked helping Nick with his CEO duties; it made me feel useful. 

Michael walked in, snapping me out of my thoughts. 'Hey Katherine. Nick available?' 

I turned to see Nick sat at his desk, still obviously fuming. 'Yeah, just tread lightly though, he's in a nasty mood today.' 

'Thanks for the heads up.' He said, striding over to the office, closing the doors behind him. I guessed it was a private conversation, so I kept my head down and carried on typing. 

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Nick's POV

'Look, I'm sorry Nick, but you can't keep putting it off.' Michael shrugged, looking exasperated. 'I'm going to have to tell the board something.' 

'Can't you ask them to just hold off for another month?' I asked. 'I've got a lot on my plate right now.' 

'I can't. I've tried that four times before. They're getting impatient.' Michael looked at his phone. 'Look, I've got to go, but remember what I said.' He turned, leaving the office. 

'Yeah, thanks for nothing.' I said sarcastically. I looked at the time. It was nearly half twelve. I got up and left the office, stopping in front of Katherine's desk. She looked up. 

'Do you want to go to lunch together?' I asked. 

She raised an eyebrow. 'What's with you lately? First the college reunion the other day, now lunch breaks?' 

I rolled my eyes. 'I'm just trying to be nice. Take it or leave it.' 

'Yeah, sure. Where are you thinking?' She nodded. 

'That new coffee shop in town?' 

'Sounds perfect.' She grabbed her bag. 'Let's go.' 

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Katherine's POV 

'So have you thought about getting a dog or something? It's not healthy being on your own.' Nick commented. 

'I don't know. I can't really have a dog because I work full-time, and won't be able to leave it on it's own.' I sipped my latte. 'I'd be more likely to get a cat, they're very low-maintenance.'

'Or that.' He agreed. 'I'm just saying, it's not nice on your own.' 

'It's alright for you, you've got your son and neighbours.' I told him. 'You're never alone. Besides, I sometimes like the solitude. It's peaceful.' 

'I mean, yeah, what I wouldn't give for some peace sometimes.' He laughed. 

'Anyway, enough about me. What's been going on with you?' I asked. 

'Nothing much. Eve and KT made a brief visit about a week ago. Will's looking at universities to apply for.' 

'Oh? Where's he thinking?' 

'Cardiff, Oxford, York.' 

'Oxford, the same one we went to.' I nodded. 

'Yeah, I wish I could say it were my influence, but I think it might be something to do with how Lily's applied there too.' He grinned. 

I laughed. 'We should start heading back into work.' I said, finishing my latte. 

'Good idea, c'mon Calvin.' 

We left the coffee shop and started walking back up towards the institute. There was a warmer breeze blowing through the air, summer was definitely on its way. 

'Katherine, I really do appreciate your help at work as of late.' Nick commented. 'I might not say, but I do notice it. You're actually the only thing that keeps me sane at work.' 

I smiled. 'Hey, I'm just doing my job.' 

'Your job and more. You go above and beyond. Not to mention, you sometimes work later than you should, helping out.' He added. 

'I don't mind, it makes me feel useful.' I shrugged. 'What else would I be doing, besides helping you out?' 

'Switching off in the evenings? Watching trashy TV that doesn't require much brain-power?' 

'Truth be told, I find it hard to just switch off.' I told him. 'At least when I'm at work, I'm doing something I love.' We arrived at the building. 

'I know, that's one thing I admire about you.' He chuckled. 'You've devoted your entire life and career to doing something you love. But your problem is that you let it consume you.' 

'What else would I have time for?' I shrugged, as we signed back in. 

'I don't know, hobbies?' 

'You underestimate me. I love a bit of shopping in my spare time. Reading too.' 

'Okay, fair enough. What about romance?' 

I laughed. 'I definitely don't have time for any of that. I don't do dating.' 

'Well, why not?' He said, as we headed back up to the lab. 

'It's just not a priority.' I shook my head. 'Why do you ask, anyway?' 

'I was just wondering. Sometimes it's nice to have someone.' 

'Says the man who's no longer married.' I threw him a look. 

'Hey, you know I had my reasons for that. Besides, I moved on a long time ago, how do you know I haven't set my sights on anyone lately?' 

'Why, have you?' I raised an eyebrow. 'Who's the lucky lady?' 

'All in good time.' He smiled enigmatically. 

His phone suddenly started ringing, and he looked at it before heading back into the office to answer it. I took this as a signal to resume work so I returned to my desk. 

Nick's POV 

'Rebecca?' I held the phone to my ear, closing the office door behind me. 

'Hey Nick.' Her voice sounded. 'Have you got a minute to talk?' 

'If it really is a minute, I'm busy at work.' 

'Sorry, I'll keep it as short as I can. I'm thinking of moving back to Dubai.' 

I sat down. 'Wait, what?' 

'I've had a job offer there, a really good one.' She explained. 'I'm thinking I should take it.' 

'But what about us, your family? More importantly, Will?' I frowned. 

'You'll be fine. Will's becoming an adult anyway, he won't need me around all the time.' 

'He's starting Uni in a year. Surely it'd be better to spend time with him as much as possible before he leaves?' I asked. 'Look, just please rethink it for now. We can talk about this Saturday?' 

'Okay.' She sighed. 'We'll talk Saturday. Bye Nick.' 

'Bye.' I said distractedly, hanging up.